Marquette Honors 2008-09 Accomplishments At Banquet

April 27, 2009

2008-09 MU Men's Basketball Highlight Video (Courtesy of Tom Kurtz)

Milwaukee -

The Marquette University men's basketball program recognized the accomplishments of the 2008-09 squad at the team's annual postseason banquet Monday night, hosted on campus at the Alumni Memorial Union.

Nearly 600 people attended the standing-room-only event, which included an awards presentation, highlight video and comments from head coach Buzz Williams.

Seven different players claimed the 11 awards handed out Monday evening. Seniors Dominic James, Wesley Matthews and Jerel McNeal each garnered a pair of accolades, as did junior Lazar Hayward.

McNeal was named the Most Valuable Performer and also earned the Golden Eagle Toughness Award. The Chicago, Ill., native concluded his career as the all-time leading scorer (1,985 points) at Marquette and was an Associated Press Second Team All-America selection.

Junior guard David Cubillan claimed the Hank Raymonds Sportsmanship Award and James' honors included the Dwyane Wade Legacy of Leadership Award.

The Golden Eagles finished 25-10 in 2008-09 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship for the second-straight year. The squad also posted a 12-6 record in BIG EAST Conference play and concluded the campaign ranked among the nation's top-25 programs.

2008-09 Award Winners

Most Valuable Performer Award - Jerel McNeal
Hank Raymonds Sportsmanship Award - David Cubillan
Dwyane Wade Legacy of Leadership Award - Dominic James
"Rebounding Effort" Award - Lazar Hayward
"Create for Others" Award - Dominic James
Marquette "Super Sub" Award - Jimmy Butler
Most Improved Player - Wesley Matthews
Bart Miller Standard of Excellence Student-Athlete Award - Dwight Burke
Olouma Nnamaka "Just Today" Award - Lazar Hayward
Golden Eagle Toughness Award - Jerel McNeal
"White Line Committed"/Defensive Player of the Year Award - Wesley Matthews